Caroline Sheldrick
B.A. (Hons)., B.Sc. (Hons), M.N.I.M.H.

About Caroline
Some of us are lucky enough to have had one really inspiring teacher: mine taught me botany and nurtured my deep and lifelong passion for ecology. It was only many years later, while working as an editor of non-fiction, that I encountered the idea of plants as medicines, and in the 1990s began my four-year training in London to become a medical herbalist. It is the system of healing that acts as a bridge between ancient and modern, art and science, amateur and professional. Today more than ever, we need integration rather than separation, and my experience of herbal medicine in practice confirms that this is a form of medicine as relevant and necessary today as it was in ancient times.
Medical Herbalism
Herbalists use extracts from medicinal plants to treat patients’ complaints. A medical
herbalist is trained in medical science as well as in the use of plants as medicine in the Western tradition. A medical herbalist may diagnose illness in the same way as a doctor, but takes a more holistic approach to treatment. The underlying cause of the problem is sought, and it is this which is treated, as well as the symptoms. The aim is to restore the person’s own natural balance. Medical herbalists are trained in pharmacy and dispense their own prescriptions uniquely for each patient. Medical herbalism is a safe, reliable form of treatment. It is suitable for everyone, even babies and children.
In Practice
People bring to a medical herbalist much the same problems as they would to a doctor. Many patients come with chronic, long-term complaints, especially those which seem to be related to emotional problems. Herbal medicine is especially helpful for people for whom prescribed medicine has too many unwanted side effects.
The Consultation
The first consultation lasts about an hour, during which time Caroline will listen to
you and ask questions, while building up a complete picture of your health and lifestyle. There may be a physical examination. You will be able to ask questions at any time about herbal medicine and your course of treatment. Caroline will also give advice about nutrition and lifestyle.
Follow-up
Most patients will visit again, after three or four weeks, to report on progress so that Caroline can make any necessary adjustments to the prescription. Follow-ups may be repeated as often as required. Some patients arrange repeat prescriptions by telephone.
Safety
Western herbal medicine has an excellent safety record. Qualified medical herbalists understand possible interactions with other medicines. They can advise which remedies are suitable during pregnancy and breast-feeding. They will also know when a patient should be referred to their doctor or another health professional.
The Medicine
People have always used plants as medicines, coming to know which local plants were effective for their common complaints. Plants are still the main source of medicine for 70% of the world’s population. Today, research has confirmed the traditional use of many medicinal plants. Many organic compounds (secondary metabolites) found in plants have pharmacological action in the human body. Many orthodox medicines are synthetic copies of the active constituents of these compounds. Herbalists, however, use extracts of the whole plant, making a gentler
medicine without unwanted side effects. Herbs are usually prescribed in the form of
tinctures or liquid extracts, where the active compounds are extracted from the plant using alcohol and water. The medicine is taken diluted in water. Herbalists may also dispense dried herbs to make an infusion, or preparations to apply to the skin.
To discuss the options for treatment without any obligation, contact
Caroline on: [email protected]
Phone: 01453 884092
For more information please visit the website:
www.carolinesheldrickmedicalherbalist.co.uk
Some of us are lucky enough to have had one really inspiring teacher: mine taught me botany and nurtured my deep and lifelong passion for ecology. It was only many years later, while working as an editor of non-fiction, that I encountered the idea of plants as medicines, and in the 1990s began my four-year training in London to become a medical herbalist. It is the system of healing that acts as a bridge between ancient and modern, art and science, amateur and professional. Today more than ever, we need integration rather than separation, and my experience of herbal medicine in practice confirms that this is a form of medicine as relevant and necessary today as it was in ancient times.
Medical Herbalism
Herbalists use extracts from medicinal plants to treat patients’ complaints. A medical
herbalist is trained in medical science as well as in the use of plants as medicine in the Western tradition. A medical herbalist may diagnose illness in the same way as a doctor, but takes a more holistic approach to treatment. The underlying cause of the problem is sought, and it is this which is treated, as well as the symptoms. The aim is to restore the person’s own natural balance. Medical herbalists are trained in pharmacy and dispense their own prescriptions uniquely for each patient. Medical herbalism is a safe, reliable form of treatment. It is suitable for everyone, even babies and children.
In Practice
People bring to a medical herbalist much the same problems as they would to a doctor. Many patients come with chronic, long-term complaints, especially those which seem to be related to emotional problems. Herbal medicine is especially helpful for people for whom prescribed medicine has too many unwanted side effects.
The Consultation
The first consultation lasts about an hour, during which time Caroline will listen to
you and ask questions, while building up a complete picture of your health and lifestyle. There may be a physical examination. You will be able to ask questions at any time about herbal medicine and your course of treatment. Caroline will also give advice about nutrition and lifestyle.
Follow-up
Most patients will visit again, after three or four weeks, to report on progress so that Caroline can make any necessary adjustments to the prescription. Follow-ups may be repeated as often as required. Some patients arrange repeat prescriptions by telephone.
Safety
Western herbal medicine has an excellent safety record. Qualified medical herbalists understand possible interactions with other medicines. They can advise which remedies are suitable during pregnancy and breast-feeding. They will also know when a patient should be referred to their doctor or another health professional.
The Medicine
People have always used plants as medicines, coming to know which local plants were effective for their common complaints. Plants are still the main source of medicine for 70% of the world’s population. Today, research has confirmed the traditional use of many medicinal plants. Many organic compounds (secondary metabolites) found in plants have pharmacological action in the human body. Many orthodox medicines are synthetic copies of the active constituents of these compounds. Herbalists, however, use extracts of the whole plant, making a gentler
medicine without unwanted side effects. Herbs are usually prescribed in the form of
tinctures or liquid extracts, where the active compounds are extracted from the plant using alcohol and water. The medicine is taken diluted in water. Herbalists may also dispense dried herbs to make an infusion, or preparations to apply to the skin.
To discuss the options for treatment without any obligation, contact
Caroline on: [email protected]
Phone: 01453 884092
For more information please visit the website:
www.carolinesheldrickmedicalherbalist.co.uk
Therapies:AppointmentsMondays to Saturdays by arrangement
|
Fees
First Appointment: 1 hr ~ £45; OAP's ~ £35
Follow-up: 30 mins ~ £30; Medicine £7 per 100ml |